Question Number: 16121

Mechanics 7/25/2007

RE: College

gus of athens, greece asks...

Does a referee has the right to stop the game for a while so the players can drink some water when the weather is very very hot? a stop of one -two minutes? And if he can,where this is mentioned in the rules of games?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Gus,
while safety is in fact our first priority no player is prevented during the game from going to the touch line to recieve water at ANY time. The player is not suppossed to leave the field mind you but certainly getting a drink is 100% ok!
In severe weather I have had teams stop to do as you suggest because I could see players were suffering in various stages of deyhdration and heat exaustion. We could look for a normal stoppage and extend it to facilitate a water break rather than stop play for players collapsing on the field.
I also have done it in cold weather when I could see the players required additional clothing and changed due to wet very cold conditions.
Law 5 gives us discrestionary powers to suspend a match in the interest of the players.

? stops, suspends or terminates the match because of outside interference of any kind
Weather could be considered **outside!**

Decision 1
A referee (or where applicable, an assistant referee or fourth offi cial)
is not held liable for:any kind of injury suffered by a player, offi cial or spectator any damage to property of any kind any other loss suffered by any individual, club, company, association or other body, which is due or which may be due to any decision that he may take under the terms of the Laws of the Game or in respect of the normal procedures required to hold, play and control a match.
This may include:
? a decision that the condition of the field of play or its surrounds or
that the weather conditions are such as to allow or not to allow a
match to take place
? a decision to abandon a match for whatever reason
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Assuming the referee is not stopping the game in the middle of a hot attack on goal (which would be imprudent, if not suicidal, but not illegal) he is well within his authority to allow a water break. This usually occurs at a natural stoppage in the game (for the wise referee). Often, especially in youth games but even in adult games, the players are so intent on the game they forget the all important need to stay hydrated on very very hot days and don't make it over to the touchline for a drink. So, for the good of the game, the referee may arrange for that to happen. Will he add that time back to the game? Of course. Well managed, a water break should take less than two minutes and should have very little affect on the course of the game other than to keep everyone healthier.
Now, college [Ed. in America] is a slightly different animal with the time keeping, but it is still possible, legal and accepted. I have often spoken with coaches before the game on such hot days and told them I may call a water break, and will choose to do so at an appropriate stoppage, if I observe the players showing any signs of heat trouble.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

The referee must ensure player safety. Since this ties into that - yes he can. Now, common sense must be used as to when/where/why and also at many tournaments, it is mandated.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Of course the referee can do this. The referee has the power to stop the match any time he sees fit if it involves the safety of the players. Normally, I would wait unitl the ball was out of play from some other reason though before holding up the game to allow for a water break.

Remember kids often times, unlike the pros, don't go to the side to get water (as they should do). That could be due to bad coaching or just a general lack of understanding regarding hydration and their own body.

Use common sense and talk to the coaches about it before the game too.

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

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